Convert MD to Wiki

Why Convert MD to Wiki?

Converting Markdown documents to MediaWiki format is essential when you need to migrate content to Wikipedia, create collaborative wiki projects, or build knowledge bases using MediaWiki software. When you convert MD to Wiki, you're transforming simple static documentation into wiki markup that supports internal linking, templates, categories, and collaborative editing features used by millions of wiki pages worldwide.

MediaWiki is the software powering Wikipedia, the world's largest encyclopedia with over 60 million articles in 300+ languages. Beyond Wikipedia, MediaWiki powers thousands of wikis including Wikimedia Commons, Wikidata, enterprise knowledge bases, game wikis (Fandom), and documentation portals. Unlike Markdown which is designed for static content, MediaWiki provides a complete collaborative editing platform with page history, talk pages, user accounts, permissions, and powerful linking between pages.

Our converter uses Pandoc to translate Markdown syntax into MediaWiki markup: # becomes ==Header==, ** becomes '''bold''', * becomes ''italic'', [links](url) become [[Page|links]], and tables are converted to wiki table syntax with {| |- |}. The conversion maintains document structure while unlocking MediaWiki's collaborative features. After conversion, you can enhance content with templates ({{cite web}}), categories ([[Category:Science]]), and internal links ([[Related Article]]).

Common conversion scenarios include: migrating README documentation to company wikis, converting blog posts to Wikipedia articles, transforming static documentation to collaborative knowledge bases, creating game wikis from Markdown guides, and building encyclopedia entries from research notes. Many organizations use MediaWiki for internal documentation because it combines ease of editing with powerful organization through categories, templates, and cross-referencing.

Key Benefits of Converting MD to Wiki:

• Internal Linking: Create interconnected knowledge with [[Page]] links between articles
• Templates: Reuse content with {{template|param}} for consistency
• Categories: Organize pages with [[Category:Name]] for easy navigation
• Collaboration: Enable multi-user editing with built-in version control
• Wikipedia Compatible: Format content for Wikipedia submission
• Talk Pages: Discuss content changes on dedicated talk pages
• Extensions: Use MediaWiki extensions for citations, math, syntax highlighting
• Search: Built-in full-text search across all wiki pages

Practical Examples

Example 1: Simple Article Conversion

Input Markdown file (article.md):

# Python Programming

**Python** is a high-level *programming language*.

## Features

- Easy to learn
- Large standard library
- Cross-platform

See also: [Official website](https://python.org)

Output MediaWiki file (article.wiki):

== Python Programming ==

'''Python''' is a high-level ''programming language''.

=== Features ===

* Easy to learn
* Large standard library
* Cross-platform

See also: [https://python.org Official website]

[[Category:Programming Languages]]

Example 2: Documentation with Internal Links

Input Markdown file (guide.md):

# Getting Started

This guide covers basic concepts.

## Installation

Follow the installation guide.

## Configuration

Edit the configuration file.

Output MediaWiki file (guide.wiki) - with internal links:

== Getting Started ==

This guide covers basic concepts.

=== Installation ===

Follow the [[Installation Guide|installation guide]].

=== Configuration ===

Edit the [[Configuration]] file.

See also:
* [[Troubleshooting]]
* [[Advanced Configuration]]

[[Category:Documentation]]
[[Category:Tutorials]]

Example 3: Wikipedia Article Format

Input Markdown file (topic.md):

# Artificial Intelligence

**Artificial intelligence (AI)** is intelligence
demonstrated by machines.

## History

AI research began in 1956.

## Applications

- Machine learning
- Natural language processing
- Computer vision

Output MediaWiki file (topic.wiki) - Wikipedia style:

{{Short description|Intelligence of machines}}

'''Artificial intelligence''' ('''AI''') is intelligence
demonstrated by machines.

== History ==

AI research began in 1956 at the [[Dartmouth Workshop]].

== Applications ==

* [[Machine learning]]
* [[Natural language processing]]
* [[Computer vision]]

== See also ==

* [[Artificial general intelligence]]
* [[Ethics of artificial intelligence]]

== References ==

{{Reflist}}

== External links ==

* [https://example.com AI Research Center]

[[Category:Artificial intelligence]]
[[Category:Computer science]]

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is MediaWiki?

A: MediaWiki is open-source wiki software written in PHP that powers Wikipedia and thousands of other wikis. It provides collaborative editing, version control, internal linking, templates, categories, and extensions. MediaWiki is free to install and highly customizable for wikis of any size.

Q: Can I use converted content on Wikipedia?

A: Yes, but with important conditions. Wikipedia has strict notability guidelines, requires reliable sources (citations), neutral point of view, and original research is prohibited. After conversion, you'll need to add citations ({{cite web}}, {{cite book}}), ensure neutral tone, and follow Wikipedia's manual of style. The converted wiki markup provides the formatting foundation.

Q: How do internal wiki links work?

A: MediaWiki uses [[Page]] for internal links. [[Python]] links to the "Python" page. [[Python|Python language]] displays "Python language" but links to "Python". External links use [https://example.com text] format. You can link to sections: [[Page#Section]]. After conversion, enhance with internal links to create interconnected knowledge.

Q: What are wiki templates and how do I use them?

A: Templates are reusable content pieces using {{Template|param}} syntax. Common Wikipedia templates: {{Infobox}} for structured data boxes, {{cite web|url=...}} for citations, {{main|Article}} for "Main article:" links, {{reflist}} for references section. Templates ensure consistency across articles and reduce duplication.

Q: How do I organize pages with categories?

A: Add [[Category:Name]] at the bottom of pages. Categories create automatic indexes. For example, [[Category:Programming Languages]] adds the page to that category. Pages can have multiple categories. Categories themselves can be categorized for hierarchical organization. This creates a taxonomy for navigation and discovery.

Q: What are the main differences from Markdown?

A: MediaWiki uses different syntax: == headers == (not #), '''bold''' (not **), ''italic'' (not *), [[Page]] links (not [text](url)), and {| table syntax (not | pipes). MediaWiki adds templates {{name}}, categories [[Category:]], magic words __TOC__, and parser functions. It's designed for collaborative wikis, not static documents.

Q: Can I install MediaWiki for my own wiki?

A: Yes! MediaWiki is free and open-source. Requirements: PHP 7.4+, MySQL/MariaDB or PostgreSQL, web server (Apache/Nginx). Download from mediawiki.org. Installation takes 10-20 minutes. You get the same software powering Wikipedia. Many hosting providers offer one-click MediaWiki installation. Great for company documentation or community projects.

Q: How do I add citations and references?

A: MediaWiki uses <ref>Citation text</ref> for inline citations and {{reflist}} or <references /> to display them. For structured citations, use templates: {{cite web|url=https://example.com|title=Title|date=2024-01-15}}. This creates properly formatted citations. Essential for Wikipedia articles and professional knowledge bases.